Deion Cole Takes the Helm for 2025 NAACP Image Awards; Ledisi’s Performance Shines Brightly

Deon Cole made a memorable appearance at the 55th NAACP Image Awards held on March 16, 2024, at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. John Salangsang captured his presence for Variety.

UPDATE (Feb. 21): Ledisi will be accompanied by the Adam Blackstone Band when she performs at the upcoming 2025 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 22nd from Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. The live broadcast is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and simulcast across CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV, MTV2, Pop TV, TV Land Logo channel Comedy Central Smithsonian.

DJ D-Nice will lead a tribute honoring the late Quincy Jones who passed away in November at age 91.

Trending on Billboard MC Lyte returns to her role as an in-show announcer. LL Cool J, Chl?e, Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer and Shannon Sharpe have been announced among this year’s presenters list. Notably, LL hosted the event back in 2007; both Palmer and Sharpe are current nominees for Entertainer of the Year.

The 56th NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet Live is set to air on Saturday evening at 7 p.m., ET/PT, featuring a live stream from BET, BET Her and VH1. This year’s event will be hosted by Terrence J, Chl?e Novi Brown Jessie Woo.

The full list of presenters includes Aldis Hodge Edwin Hodge Clifton Davis Karla Mosley Danielle Deadwyler David Alan Grier Don Cheadle Ego Nwodim Gabrielle Union George Wallace Harold Perrineau Janelle James Jay Ellis Jurnee Smollett Keke Palmer Laverne Cox LL Cool Morris Chestnut Shannon Sharpe Taraji P. Henson.

Previously (Feb. 20): Comedian, actor and writer Deon Cole will host the upcoming NAACP Image Awards event airing live on Saturday February 22nd from Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena California at 8 p.m. ET/PT, this years show is broadcast by BET as well as CBS.

Related: Former Vice President Kamala Harris to Accept Chairman’s Award on 2025 NAACP Image Awards – 02/17/2025

“BET is delighted to collaborate with the exceptional Deon Cole, whose humor and charm deeply resonate with our viewers,” stated Connie Orlando, EVP of specials music programming and strategy at BET. “As a talented comedian actor and cultural icon Deon Cole has always utilized his gifts to entertain uplift and inspire, added Derrick Johnson president CEO NAACP His unique brand of humor deep appreciation for the culture as well commitment to our community have solidified him entertainment legend.”

It is worth noting that this will be Coles first time hosting the NAACP Image Awards. The previous two years were hosted by Queen Latifah while Anthony Anderson was behind the mic during the past nine.

The National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has decided to give an award on behalf of BET Media Group at this years ceremony, recognizing its 45-year legacy in amplifying Black culture. The organization launched by Bob and Sheila Johnson in 1980 quickly became a prominent player under Debra Lee’s leadership and continues to expand globally led today Scott Mills.

“The Founder’s Award honors those who dare dream beyond limits transforming vision into reality, said Johnson adding “For over four decades BET has been an innovator of culture creating space for our community to see themselves recognized on screen inspiring generations to believe their dreams are within reach. Through their undeniable leadership in the entertainment industry BET continuously pushes boundaries setting new standards others follow.”

Previously winners of this award include Toni Vaz founder NAACP Image Awards and country music icon Garth Brooks.

In addition, comedian Dave Chappelle has been announced as the recipient for President’s Award while The Wayans Family will be recognized with NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to receive Chairmans Award at this year 56th NAACP Image Awards ceremony. This years telecast takes place on Saturday February 22nd starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT and is broadcast by BET CBS.

This event will last for longer duration, being extended thirty minutes up to two hours fifty-minutes total length than its usual schedule which allows more time for honoring winners in non televised categories during the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors taking place on Friday February 21st.